Lena was valedictorian of her class at Washington's Dunbar High School in 1947,completed undergraduate studies at Howard University in three years,and graduated from Howard Medical School in 1924.She and Keith Madison,a fellow student at the medical school,were married following their graduation.They had six children together between 1925 & 1939.Lena separated from Keith in 1947.
In 1925,Lena and Keith moved to Jersey City,New Jersey and each entered medical practice.Lena became a speaker on public health and a natural childbirth advocate while serving the European immigrant community of Hudson County,New Jersey.In 1931,she joined the staff of Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City,because of her race and sex were regarded as barriers to professional advancement,she was not admitted to residency in obstetrics and gynecology there until 1945.
Lena returned to Washington in 1954 and taught obstetrics at Howard University Medical School.Lena would not accept a position as department chair because of her religious objections to abortion.She was the medical adviser to the National Association of Colored's Women's Clubs and chaired the Maternal Welfare Committee of the District of Columbia Urban League.
At 60,Lena helped found Our Lady of Guadeloupe Maternity Clinic in Hereford,Texas,a mission serving Mexican Migrant Workers families.
She served at the mission until 1965,when a heart attack led her to leave and move back to Washington.She worked at the Office of Economics Opportunity and Project Head Start until her retire in 1970.
Lena was devout adherent of Roman Catholic Christianity throughout her life.In 1947 Lena became a lay member of the Third Order of Saint Francis.Her service was recognized by President Johnson in 1964,when she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.In 1966 Lena was awarded an honorary degree from Saint Peter's College New Jersey.Lena was awarded the Poverello Medal in 1967.
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